A cheerleader was found stabbed to death on a dirt walking trail in Knox County, Tennessee.
The girl in question, Savannah Copeland reportedly disappeared from her house overnight.
The young cheerleader’s disappearance and subsequent discovery sparked a police investigation that led to the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect, Malakiah Lamar Harris.
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Authorities charged Harris with second-degree murder in connection with Copeland’s death. Prosecutors have announced their intention to try the teenage suspect as an adult, with a hearing scheduled for January 14, 2025.
The circumstances surrounding the case are grim. According to court documents, Harris allegedly met Copeland around midnight on October 22. It is claimed that he stabbed her multiple times with a pocketknife before leaving the scene without alerting anyone.
Michael Copeland, Savannah’s father, played a crucial role in locating his daughter. After she went missing overnight, he used cell phone information to track her whereabouts, ultimately making the heartbreaking discovery of her body in the woods.
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The victim was known for her involvement in Powell MAC Cheerleading and had diverse interests and talents. She excelled in gymnastics and karate, and harbored aspirations of studying forensic anthropology in college. Friends and family remember her for her vibrant smile and energetic personality.
Key details of the case:
- Victim: Savannah Copeland, 13 years old
- Suspect: Malakiah Lamar Harris, 15 years old
- Charge: Second-degree murder
- Date of incident: October 22, 2024
- Location: Knox County, Tennessee
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the prosecution pushing for Harris to be tried as an adult. This decision will be determined at the upcoming January hearing.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, questions remain about the relationship between the victim and the accused, as well as the motives behind the alleged crime. The case has drawn attention to issues of youth violence and safety in the area.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
